Hearty Slow Cooker Chili (Easy Set-and-Forget Recipe)

why make this recipe

This slow cooker chili balances classic comfort food flavors with incredible convenience. Browning the beef with onions and garlic creates a savory flavor foundation, while the slow cooking process allows the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to meld seamlessly into the crushed tomatoes and kidney beans. It is perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or serving up on busy weeknights without standing over a hot stove.

how to make Hearty Slow Cooker Chili

Ingredients

The Base

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15 oz) cans dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained

The Spice Blend

• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)

Directions

1. Step Action: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbs, and drain excess fat. Add the diced onion during the last 5 minutes of cooking, then stir in the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Step Action: Transfer the cooked ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture directly into the ceramic pot of your slow cooker.
3. Step Action: Add the drained kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and corn to the slow cooker bowl.
4. Step Action: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt evenly over the top, then stir until fully incorporated.
5. Step Action: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours (or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours) so the flavors meld together.
6. Step Action: Uncover, stir well, and taste to adjust salt and pepper if needed.
7. Step Action: Ladle the hot chili into bowls and pile high with your preferred toppings before serving.

how to serve Hearty Slow Cooker Chili

Ladle your hot chili into deep bowls and set out a spread of customizable toppings. Shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños, and finely chopped chives are essential options. Serve it alongside warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or over baked potatoes for an extra filling dinner.

how to store Hearty Slow Cooker Chili

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will actually continue to deepen overnight, making leftovers even better! To freeze, allow the chili to cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

tips to make Hearty Slow Cooker Chili

Don’t skip browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker; it renders off extra grease and adds crucial depth of flavor to the sauce. If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer with the lid off for the final 20-30 minutes of cooking, or mash a small portion of the kidney beans right in the pot to naturally thicken the liquid.

variation

You can easily swap the lean ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter protein option. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with an extra can of black beans or pinto beans and add finely chopped bell peppers for texture.

FAQs

Can I put raw ground beef directly into the slow cooker?
While it will cook through, it is strongly recommended to brown and drain the meat first. Browning develops key flavors and prevents the chili from becoming too greasy.

Is this chili spicy?
This recipe carries a mild-to-medium heat level. You can omit the red pepper flakes and use plain diced tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes with green chilies if you prefer a completely mild dish.

More recipes on : thinerecipes.com

Ellie

Hearty Slow Cooker Chili

The ultimate set-and-forget slow cooker chili featuring beef, kidney beans, sweet corn, and warm spices cooked low and slow for maximum flavor.

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• The Base
• 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10 or 93/7
• 1 large yellow onion finely diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 15 oz cans dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn drained
• The Spice Blend
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt

Method

 

1. Brown ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic in a skillet; drain grease.
2. Transfer beef mixture to slow cooker.
3. Add kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with chilies, and corn.
4. Sprinkle all spices over ingredients and stir thoroughly.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
6. Stir, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with desired toppings.